THE SUPERFOOD CHAIN explores how the global industry affects food security for farmers and fishers around the world.
Shot in 4K, this gorgeous documentary follows filmmaker Ann Shin as she meets families in Bolivia, Ethiopia, Philippines, and Haida Gwaii whose lives have changed since the superfood boom.
Every year, the western world is introduced to new ‘superfoods’ that boast extraordinary nutritional benefits. The Superfood Chain explores the story behind the rise of superfoods like quinoa, teff, coconuts, and wild salmon, revealing the ripple effect the superfood industry has on the lives of farm families in Bolivia, Ethiopia, the Philippines, and Haida Gwaii. The documentary examines serious issues related to the globalization of superfoods, including unintended effects on food security, health, sustainable farming, and fair-trade food practices.
“I’m a sucker when it comes to food trends,” says Shin. “I try out the latest superfoods, always ensuring to eat right. But are exotic superfoods really that good for you or are we better off buying locally? These questions took me to four different countries where I could finally connect the dots between what is marketed as a superfood, and the farmers and fishers who are affected by the industry. I realize there is a way to eat healthily and do right by farmers.”
Directed by Ann Shin, THE SUPERFOOD CHAIN is a Fathom Film Group production, presented by TVO with the participation of the TELUS FUND and the CANADA MEDIA FUND
An accompanying website at Thesuperfoodchain.com invites users to explore the origins of superfoods and to delve deeper into lives of the people who produce them. It features short, interactive videos about the families profiled in the documentary, myths and facts about superfoods, nutritional information, and recipes.
Currently on the slate are cross-platform documentary and interactive DM projects Smart Drugs, and The New Black Gold. Documentary and web series in development, Radical Retirees, Hunting in Packs, and A.rtificial I.mmortality.
FATHOM will be visiting the following farmer’s markets in September:
Trinity Bellwoods Farmer’s Market with Joy McCarthy of Joyous Health – September 18 Evergreen Farmer’s Market with Fisherfolk – September 22 Sorauren Farmer’s Market with Joyous Health + Chef Signe Langford – September 24
THE SUPERFOOD CHAIN will be screening at the following film festivals in October:
Chagrin Documentary Film Festival – Chagrin, Ohio (October 3 – 7) Devour Film Festival – Wolfville, Nova Scotia (October 23 – 28) Planet in Focus Film Festival – Toronto, Ontario (October 25 – 28)